DEWA’s new HQ to be world’s ‘largest and smartest net zero energy building’

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has said its new sail-inspired headquarters will be the “tallest, largest and smartest net zero energy building in the world”.

Announcing the project, named Al-Sheraa, on Saturday, DEWA said it would accommodate 16,500 square metres of photovoltaic panels designed to produce more than 3,500 kilowatt hours of electricity.

These will be joined by a further 10,000 square metres of building integrated photovoltaic, producing 1,100 kilowatt hours of electricity.

Altogether the building will generate 7,000 megawatt hours annually, with a utilisation rate of 70 kilowatts per square metre, according to the firm.

It is meant to generate power equal to or less than it uses during the year.

The building will utilise the latest smart technologies including internet of things, big data, open data and artificial intelligence solutions.

Robots will provide cleaning and security services and a smart app will alert employees of the time they should leave home based on traffic.

This app will also enable employees to book parking spaces and meeting rooms and keep track of their energy use.

A control centre will also keep track of the building’s systems and switch on lights and air conditioning when it is not in use.

The wider design features a courtyard shaded in some areas by a sail structure. It will incldue trees, planted areas and birds and is designed to give an outdoor feeling in an indoor setting.

The building will cover an area of more than 1.5 million square feet and is designed to accommodate 5,000 employees, as well as customers and visitors.

Almost 50 per cent of the area will be green spaces and it will feature a direct link to the Dubai Metro via a 150m covered bridge to Al Jadaf station.

Other features will include a fitness centre, shaded outdoor jogging track, 700-seat auditorium, parking for 1,500 cars, a nursery for 80 children, library, cafeteria and retail area.

DEWA intends the building to receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum certification and it is hoped to use 50 less water than regular structures.

The project, which is being built in Cultural Village at Al Jadaf, is scheduled to be completed and inaugurated in 2019.